Vendors and illegal food trailer in Oakdene removed
Business operators should always adhere to the city’s by-laws.
AN illegal food trailer operated by vendors situated on a vacant stand at the corner of Hartjie Street and Oak Avenue in Oakdene was removed on June 27.
The removal came after residents raised health-related concerns following the trailer’s operations at the site for over a year.
Among many other anomalies, including inadequate space and proper food storage facilities, the vendors did not have proper ablution services as well as a place to wash their hands before they prepared or sold their food.
Nor did the vendors have permission from the City of Johannesburg to have a food trailer situated at that stand, neither did they have a health compliance certificate from the Environmental Health Department.
According to Ward 56 councillor Michael Crichton, several residents had complained over the existence of the illegal food trailer hence he had to engage officials from the Environmental Health Department.
He said the vendors were also notorious for washing their dishes outside the trailer and getting rid of the dirty water by spilling it on the side road.
“I requested the Environmental Health Department to investigate this matter, and they found that the vendors were non-compliant with the city’s health by-laws. The illegal operators were then requested to close down their illegal operation,” Crichton said.
After refusing to comply with the law, officials from the Environmental Health Department requested JMPD’s assistance with removing the trailer.
Crichton said business operators should always adhere to the city’s by-laws.
“We are glad the trailer was removed and it is important for people to comply with the city’s by-laws in order for our communities to be a better place,” he said.
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